/ əˈpres; NAmE / verb [ vn ]
1.
to treat sb in a cruel and unfair way, especially by not giving them the same freedom, rights, etc. as other people :
The regime is accused of oppressing religious minorities.
2.
to make sb only able to think about sad or worrying things :
The gloomy atmosphere in the office oppressed her.
SYN weigh down
► op·pres·sion / əˈpreʃn; NAmE / noun [ U ]:
victims of oppression
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : from Old French oppresser , from medieval Latin oppressare , from Latin oppress- pressed against, from the verb opprimere .